State Public Pensions in Virginia

State Public Pensions in Virginia: key facts

Administering system

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) — its defined benefit plans (Plan 1, Plan 2, and the Hybrid Retirement Plan) cover state employees, teachers and school division employees, and general employees of participating political subdivisions.

Death-in-service

If an active member dies, the death-in-service benefit is a lump-sum payment of the balance in the member contribution account, if any, to the named beneficiary. A beneficiary who is a spouse, minor child, or parent may elect monthly payments instead. Contact the member's employer first — the employer coordinates the claims.

Retiree death

What continues depends on the payout option the retiree elected. The Basic Benefit provides no continuing benefit to a survivor, though the named beneficiary may receive a lump sum of any funds left in the member contribution account. Under the Survivor Option, the retiree elected a whole percentage between 10% and 100% of the benefit to continue to the named survivor.

Reporting a retiree's death

Call Securian Financial at 800-441-2258. As insurer for the VRS Group Life Insurance Program, Securian can initiate all VRS benefit claims for a deceased retiree and passes the information to VRS for processing.

Documents to claim

The deceased's full name, Social Security number, and date of death, plus a mailing address for claim information, and an original or certified copy of the death certificate. If benefits are payable to the estate, an original or certified letter of qualification issued by the Circuit Court; if to a trust, the trust agreement and appointment of trustee; if to a minor child, the guardianship appointment for the child's estate.